How Many Calories Does a Sweet Apple Have? The Ultimate Guide to Apple Nutrition

December 18, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a medium-sized sweet apple, like a Honeycrisp or Red Delicious, contains approximately 95 calories. This makes knowing precisely how many calories does a sweet apple have a valuable piece of information for anyone managing their daily intake, especially given the fruit's natural sugars and fiber content.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the calorie counts for various popular sweet apple varieties, explores the factors that influence their nutritional value, and provides a detailed comparison to help you choose the best apple for your dietary needs.

Key Points

Medium Apple Calories: A medium-sized sweet apple, like a Honeycrisp or Red Delicious, typically contains about 95 calories.
Factors Affecting Calories: The calorie count depends mainly on the apple's size and specific variety, with larger apples having more calories.
Nutritional Value: Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, and their calories come primarily from naturally occurring carbohydrates.
Benefit of Fiber: The high fiber content, especially in the skin, promotes fullness, aids digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar.
Variety Differences: While sweet apples have similar calorie profiles, varieties like Gala and Fuji can have slightly different counts compared to Honeycrisp.
Weight Management: Due to their fiber and water content, apples are a filling, low-calorie snack that can be beneficial for weight management.

Demystifying the Calories in a Sweet Apple

Apples are a staple in many diets, celebrated for their crisp texture, natural sweetness, and nutritional benefits. However, with the wide array of varieties available, from the crisp Honeycrisp to the sweet Fuji, their exact calorie content can vary. While a medium-sized sweet apple averages around 95 calories, understanding the specific details can help with more precise dietary planning.

Factors Influencing Apple Calories

Several elements contribute to the final calorie count of an apple:

Size: This is the most significant factor. A small apple (approx. 150g) contains about 77 calories, while a large apple (approx. 223g) can have up to 116 calories.
Variety: Different varieties have slightly different sugar and water contents, which impact the final calorie count. For example, a medium Granny Smith (a tart variety) might have fewer calories than a medium Red Delicious (a sweet one).
With or Without Skin: Eating the skin, which is rich in fiber, adds slightly to the calorie count but significantly increases the health benefits, as it provides extra dietary fiber. A medium apple without skin has less fiber than one with skin.
Processing: Juicing or cooking alters the nutritional profile. Store-bought apple juice, for instance, often has added sugar and lacks the fiber of a whole apple, making it more calorically dense.

Nutritional Breakdown of a Medium Sweet Apple

A medium raw, unpeeled sweet apple (approx. 182g) is a nutrient-dense snack with a favorable macronutrient profile. Here is a closer look at what it provides:

Carbohydrates: Around 25 grams, which provide the body with energy.
Fiber: Approximately 4.4 grams, mostly found in the skin. This dietary fiber aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes feelings of fullness.
Sugars: About 19 grams of naturally occurring sugars, including fructose, sucrose, and glucose.
Vitamins and Minerals: A good source of Vitamin C and a source of potassium and other antioxidants that benefit heart health.

Calorie Comparison of Popular Sweet Apple Varieties

While the average is a good benchmark, comparing specific varieties provides more accurate data for planning. This table compares the approximate calories and sugar content of some common sweet apples based on a medium-sized serving.


Apple Variety	Approximate Calories (Medium)	Approximate Sugar Content (Medium)
Red Delicious	95 calories	19g
Honeycrisp	95 calories	19g
Gala	70-80 calories	11.1g (per 100g, approx 17g for medium)
Fuji	80-90 calories	19g (per large apple, approx 15g for medium)
Pink Lady	116-126 calories (large)	N/A

It's important to note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific apple's size and ripeness. For a more detailed breakdown of various nutritional components and benefits, you can consult resources like Healthline's comprehensive guide on apples.

The Role of Sweet Apples in a Healthy Diet

Sweet apples are more than just a tasty snack; they offer several health benefits that make them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Their high fiber content promotes satiety, which can help with weight management by making you feel full for longer periods. This satiating effect can help curb the urge to overeat. Additionally, the natural sugars in apples, combined with fiber, are absorbed more slowly, preventing the rapid spikes in blood sugar associated with less healthy sweet treats. The antioxidants found in apples, such as quercetin, are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect against certain chronic diseases.

Incorporating sweet apples into your diet is simple and versatile. They can be enjoyed raw as a convenient snack, sliced and added to salads for a touch of sweetness, or baked into healthy desserts without excessive added sugar. For those who enjoy baking, sweet apples like Fuji or Gala can be a perfect choice, providing a natural sweetness that may reduce the need for extra sweeteners. Combining them with other nutritious foods, such as nuts or yogurt, can further enhance their health benefits and create a satisfying meal or snack.

Conclusion

To conclude, how many calories does a sweet apple have depends on its size and variety, but a medium apple averages around 95 calories. The low-calorie count, combined with high fiber, essential vitamins, and antioxidants, makes it an excellent choice for a nutritious snack. Popular sweet varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp fall within a similar caloric range, allowing for a delicious and healthy choice regardless of your preference. By understanding these nutritional facts, you can make informed decisions and enjoy the natural goodness of sweet apples as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medium Fuji apple contains approximately 80 to 90 calories, though this can vary depending on its exact size.

No, a medium-sized Honeycrisp apple has about 95 calories, which is comparable to other sweet apple varieties and considered low-calorie.

Yes, there can be a slight difference. Tart apples, like Granny Smith, tend to have slightly fewer calories and less sugar than sweet apples of a similar size.

Size is the most significant factor. A small apple has around 77 calories, a medium apple has about 95, and a large apple contains roughly 116 calories.

Eating the skin adds a negligible amount of calories but significantly increases the fiber content, which is beneficial for digestion.

Sweet apples are an excellent choice for a weight-loss diet. Their high fiber content helps you feel full, making them a satisfying and low-calorie snack or a natural sweetener in recipes.

Any sweet apple variety, such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp, makes a great healthy snack. Your choice can be based on your preferred level of sweetness and crispness, as their nutritional profiles are quite similar.